Powerful partnership “disrupts market"

Two major flooring manufacturers behind some of the most well-known brands in residential and commercial sales, have joined forces in "one of the most disruptive alignments that the UK flooring industry has seen."

Leading flooring companies Unilin Distribution Limited and IVC Group UK Limited have announced a merger to become Unilin Flooring UK & Ireland Limited with a turnover of €230m in these territories alone.

The new "supercharged" organisation sees the manufacturers behind brands such as Quick-Step, Moduleo, Pergo, Elka, Leoline and IVC Commercial become a single powerful company. Merging sales and distribution in Newry, Derby, St Neots and Liverpool, Unilin Flooring UK & Ireland’s head office will be based in Newry, Ireland. The Academy for Excellence in Flooring will continue to operate from its newly opened facility in Liverpool.

David Bigland, vice president sales and marketing, Unilin Flooring UK & Ireland, says: “The merger of Unilin Distribution Ltd and IVC Group UK ltd represents one of the most disruptive alignments that the UK flooring industry has seen. Bringing together some of the country’s best-known flooring brands active in multiple categories, we’re supercharged and ready to strengthen our position in the UK flooring market.”

The merger comes as Unilin, parent company for Unilin Flooring UK & Ireland, reveals a new brand identity that brings together all divisions with a shared purpose to make better spaces for better lives.

Operating in flooring, decorative panels, insulation and technologies, Unilin is a Belgian company with a 60-year history. It was purchased in 2006 by Mohawk Industries Inc., the world’s largest flooring company with $11.2bn in global sales. Mohawk Industries Inc., purchased IVC Group in 2015. www.unilin.com